Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt’s union created a media sensation, captivating audiences with the allure of Hollywood’s most celebrated couple. Despite swirling rumors and controversies, the iconic pair stayed together for 12 years, nurturing their blended family of three biological and three adopted children.
Before meeting Brad on the set of “Mr. & Mrs. Smith” in 2004, Angelina, already a mother of two adopted sons, Maddox and Pax, was immersed in the filming of “Tomb Raider.” Brad, at the time, was still married to Jennifer Aniston.
The sparks between Angelina and Brad ignited during their collaboration on the film, leading to a unique friendship and partnership. Angelina later revealed, “Anything we had to do with each other, we just found a lot of joy in it together and a lot of real teamwork. We just became kind of a pair.”
Despite persistent rumors, they kept their budding romance private, spending time contemplating their shared life goals. In 2005, Angelina adopted Ethiopia-born Zahara Marley, with Brad co-adopting her in 2006.
Their confirmation as a couple came in 2006 when Angelina announced her pregnancy with Brad’s child. To avoid media frenzy, they sought refuge in Namibia for the birth, and the news of their impending child garnered global attention.
The birth of Shiloh Nouvel on May 27, 2006, at a private hospital in Namibia marked a significant moment. Angelina underwent a scheduled cesarean, and Brad was by her side throughout, cutting the umbilical cord. The couple sold the first pictures of Shiloh for a substantial amount, with proceeds donated to UNICEF.
The media dubbed them “Brangelina,” and the arrival of Shiloh was likened to a momentous event. New York magazine humorously noted, “Not since Jesus has a baby been so eagerly anticipated.”
The couple’s commitment to their family, philanthropy, and each other remained a captivating narrative in the ever-watchful eyes of the public.
“Although we celebrate the joy of our daughter’s birth, we acknowledge that 2 million babies born every year in the developing world die on the first day of their lives. These children can be saved, but only if governments around the world make it a priority,” the couple stated.
Born into extraordinary circumstances, Shiloh, the couple’s first biological child, garnered significant media attention. Despite the scrutiny, Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt have fiercely guarded their children’s privacy.
Shiloh turned 16 in May, growing up quickly and forming close bonds with her older siblings and younger twin siblings, Knox and Vivienne, now 14. The famous family avoids social media, maintaining a level of privacy. However, one notable aspect is Shiloh’s choice to go by the name John Jolie-Pitt since a young age.
During a 2008 interview with Oprah Winfrey, Brad Pitt shared, “She only wants to be called John. John or Peter. So it’s a Peter Pan thing. So we’ve got to call her John.” Both parents fully support Shiloh’s decision to be addressed as John and embrace her desire to match clothes with her brothers.
“She wants to be a boy,” Angelina Jolie explained. “So we had to cut her hair. She likes to wear boys’ everything. She thinks she’s one of the brothers.” Angelina approved of the name change, despite the name Shiloh having personal significance to her.
In March 2020, Angelina revealed that Shiloh underwent hip surgery. Angelina shared her experiences in connection to International Women’s Day, emphasizing the importance of valuing and caring for girls.
Despite Brad and Angelina’s divorce, Shiloh maintains a good relationship with both parents. Brad is reportedly a proud father, emphasizing the significance of his children in his life.
Shiloh’s resemblance to her father and her inheritance of her mother’s lips are notable features. She has also made headlines for borrowing her mother’s dresses, creating a stir with her fashion choices at events like the U.K. premiere of Marvel’s “Eternals.”